9 August 2014

"The English language is a work in progress. Have fun with it." ~ Jonathan Culver

It was during one of those funny days in the college that I met with my funny friend and had really fun time that made me to smile from ear to ear. Besides, it made me to wonder about the jocular facet of English language that presents to us in our usual life. Here is our conversations;

Characters

ME, myself

HE, my college friend (not a fluent English speaker, just like me.)

Time : Afternoon (1:11:11 pm)

SCENE: It's time for physics practical class. ME and HE are heading towards the class, with usual idle chat. There are also some other classmates busy in their own ways.

ME: [Gesturing.] Did you have lunch?

HE: Yes. [Pointing towards ME.] How a-bout...?

ME: Yeah. I had.

HE: [Eagerly.] Where? Your home?

ME: Yeah. Sure.

HE: Where...your home? Last year?

ME: No. Now we are shifted to AC Guards, a five-minute walk from the college.

HE: [Nodding.] Oh!

[His friends eye at them and dissolve into laughter.]

HE: [Turning to them, says something in their language.]

ME: [Smiling.] Why are they laughing at you?

HE: [Frowning.] My English talking...you understand?

ME: Yeah. It's more than enough, you are speaking well and only if you speak you will be able to speak fluent-er otherwise nothing will help you. Feel comfortable, don't get uneasy at their laughter because it's your way of learning the things for yourself, people will say many things, don't listen to them, keep going, keep moving.

HE: [Beaming.] How we...improve English?

ME: I don't have much idea about it but as far as what I know is, reading books and writing articles. I believe reading and writing are the basic pillars for English improvement. Besides, learning to speak, as you do too can help you improve your speaking skills. These are what I believe and do.

HE: [Amused.] Why are you laughing? I am not telling the right word. Please teach me.

ME: You are right but usually we say 'rent' in terms of house or shop but definitely not for a sister or brother because it's disapproving. Instead, you have to say as 'adopted sister.'HE: [Smiles with uneasiness] 'Adopted sister.'

ME: [Wonders about the word, 'rented sister' and ponders about the jocular facet of English language.]